Seeing the other side of the classroom has been an eye opening experience for a few Carroll County High School students assigned to work at elementary and middle schools through the work-based learning program.
Some said they enjoyed being around the younger students while others said it made them realize teaching is not the career for them. Making copies and laminating seemed to be their primary responsibility.
“It’s fun there because they’re always doing something every day,” said Reagan Miller, who works at Carroll County Middle School.
Her co-worker and fellow senior, Brandon Jimenez, said he enjoys helping the students do their work and teaching them to become a better person. Brandon laughed and said he thought he was going to work in maintenance at the middle school, but soon learned he would be in classrooms. “They switched it up, but it’s really fun,” he said.
Both Brandon and Reagan are on the varsity soccer teams and have some name recognition at the middle school.
“I have more of a connection with the eighth graders because they’re older and they recognize us from sports,” Reagan said.
Ruby Atilano Zarate is a favorite among the students at Cartmell Elementary. She primarily works with ELL (English Language Learner) students in small groups and translates for teachers. “I help with tests and whatever assignments they’re doing,” she said.
Ruby also works at the Lighthouse after school program at Cartmell.
Sometimes the students are asked to work in areas that aren’t their strongest, but they accept the challenge. Rileigh Darnold said she helps second graders with math a lot, but is more comfortable helping them with writing.
“These little kids think you know everything and I’m just as clueless as them,” Rileigh said with a laugh.
Reagan Miller chimed in that her eighth graders are “definitely entertaining and like to assume a lot of things.” One of those things being that she was an eighth grade student.
Jaylyn Sea spends her time in Kindergarten and first grade helping in any way teachers need her. She often works in the office, answering phones and emails as well as making copies and laminating a lot of items.
“They have taught me to be patient because some of them are a little wild, but I love working with them,” she said.
Reagan Schadler comes from a long line of teachers and said she wants to pursue a career with elementary or middle schoolers. She has enjoyed her job so much that she now works at the Lighthouse as well.
Closer to home, Sebastian Toft and Kayden Adams work in the hydroponic and traditional greenhouses through the agriculture department. “We like plants, that’s why we’re out there,” Sebastian said with a grin. The two help grow flowers that are sold by the agriculture department and grow lettuce that is used within the high school cafeteria.
The greenhouse duo said they have learned a lot about customer service and patience this year, a trait that will take them far in life.
“I feel like I have learned some skills from it. It makes me think on my feet a lot,” Reagan Miller said.
Their job duties differ, but all of the students said they are grateful for the experience of working in the school system and would recommend all their peers take the opportunity to participate in work-based learning.